Exclusive Interview with Fine Jeweller - MINA STONES

Indeed there is a world of difference between Beads and Stones.  BlondeDolly© shares this exclusive interview held with Fine Jeweller, Lotanna Amina Egwuatu - the brain behind the gems MINA STONES. Lotanna Amina Egwuatu holds a Bachelors degree in Engineering from Covenant University and a Masters of Science degree from Lancaster University, United Kingdom. Currently living in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria - Abuja, BlondeDolly© caught up with the beautiful designer of the statement pieces that has since been garnering interests home and abroad since her official launch in April 2012.

Read on for The Whole Shebang with MINA STONES. 

How did you become interested in gemstones and get into making jewellery?

I’ve always been fascinated with stones and the fact that man didn’t create them. I always thought God has blessed us with so much beauty in the things that surround us, I am talking nature. I played around with “stones” when I was much younger but became really creative with them in my teen years. I once created necklaces and earrings made from sea shells for my friends back in undergraduate school. I also once changed the strap of my Swatch wrist watch to beads and people kept asking me where I got it from and thought it was really unique (even Swatch didn’t have watches with beads/stones at that time).

It wasn’t until my final year that I decided that I could actually make money out of my creativity or hobby really. I have never for once thought of what I do as work or as chore, rather, I’m more relaxed when I play around with my stones. MINA STONES officially started April 2012 and has grown so much since then. It has been a lot of learning, growing and still is. 

Can you walk me through the steps you took to where you are today?

I started off with a mina stones blog, which received a lot of attention and got people talking about my designs. I had to take some time off to go and do “my homework” and learn more about what I had grown to love – that is, stones. My blog got me a scholarship to take courses at the world’s renowned school of gemology, Gemological Institute of America. There I learned a whole lot and also, the courses relating to business I had taken from my Masters degree in the UK also helped a lot. I have since then participated at exhibitions in the United Kingdom (in Lancaster), Washington DC, Kenya, Ethiopia and of course Nigeria. I showcased at the Ages of Fashion Show at the Hilton in September 2012 and got a lot of positive attention following that. I am no master of my art and business yet, but I am well on my way!

How important was it for you to get educated in the line of your business?

For me, being completely in love with stones wasn’t and isn’t enough. Passion is not always enough - supporting it with the right knowhow and skills set are largely advantageous. I was turning this baby into a business, so, it wasn’t just my stones and me anymore and even if it were I would still want to learn everything about them. But for the business side, I had to learn about creating a sustainable value-adding business. I have learned things about gemstones I never would have known if I wasn’t privileged to go further to study about them. 

So, What makes MINA STONES different?

Really, it is all about the stones, and the unique way with which I create original statement pieces from them. I believe I am very creative in my designs; I use only the best available materials (from stones, corals, pearls, sterling silver, gold to high quality plating) for my work and every piece reflects the high-level skill and craftsmanship that goes into it, which people can also see and appreciate immediately. So also, our designs, pieces, care and packaging ooze a personality and lifestyle, tailored finely to that of our esteemed clients. 

What metals & stones do you really enjoy working with?

I work with sterling silver a lot. It is hard to slander a stone for another because they indeed all are precious and very unique in their own respects, but I can give this away… I have a very special liking to amethyst, having worked with it. I love the deep purple colour and it works so very well with a light mixture of freshwater pearls.

And do you have a favourite travel destination to source gemstones?

Well, I don’t have a favourite destination to source stones yet as I have not been to all the places I would love to source from. That said, I loved it in South Africa and would love to go back there soon! 

Can a client or customer give you their old gemstones or gold to make new pieces of them?

Yes they can!  It is one of our bespoke services. 

How original are your designs and what are your copyright policies?

My designs come from me a hundred percent and no replication of other people’s works. My works are prided with ingenuity. With regard protecting my own designs, I am working currently on my copyright and with that being said, we do not take copying lightly.

Where do you draw your inspiration from? Do you prefer sketching out your designs first or constructing them straightaway?

Answering from the latter, I sketch, I just jump into it…I do as it comes. With creativity sometimes you have no control. It comes when it comes! And so it is with inspiration. Everything around us has the capacity to inspire. 

So when you are creating your masterpieces, who do you envision wearing your finished works? And how well does this influence your designs and the depth of your creativity?

Well, I envision bold and pretty ladies who love to wear high quality jewellery, women who will like to make a positive statement, standout and project a very powerful image without having to say a word. So with this vision in my mind of the ideal MINA STONES wearer or woman, I set to work and deliver on that vision with every single piece made.

Can you tell us how long it takes to finish a complete set?

It can take up to a week depending on the design.

What are the biggest challenges encountered in your business? What is the reception like in Nigeria and other places you have exhibited?

In Nigeria, it will have to be the lack of awareness of fine jewellery or jewellery made with precious metals and precious stones. I have to explain to people sometimes that my jewellery is not made with “beads” but stones, so also this is because the market is highly saturated with beads and bead-makers. There is a HUGE difference. Stones can last more than a lifetime! And I will say almost the same for Kenya. 

So, If you found yourself in an elevator with one of your favourite female style idols, with only few seconds to sell ‘MINA STONES’ before she gets off , what would you say or do?

If it were someone I truly admire, I’d just gift her. She will definitely love the jewellery and the rest will be history! Amen!! Laughs

What are your plans for the future of your jewellery?

First, to keep growing, expanding and become a master of my art and business!

And also, to create a positive mind share of MINA STONES synonymous with her values and vision globally.

How and where can we purchase readymade MINA STONES?

Currently, we are at Silverbird, located in the capital, Abuja. Soon we will be in Lagos and PortHarcourt. Information regarding our soon expansion will be broadcast on our social media platforms. Also, we are available online for online shoppers, with detailed information about every piece including weight/sizes with very secure online payment and payment on delivery options.

Thank you very much for taking time to talk to BlondeDolly© about your fantastic pieces and your inspiring journey so far.

www.myminastones.com

Call: +2348099444117

Twitter: @MinaStones

Facebook: MINA STONES

Instagram: mina_stones